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Diversity & Inclusion

Four Olympics, One Big Throw: Ashley Mckenzie Brings Judo Magic to St Augustine’s Primary School

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Four Olympics, One Big Throw: Ashley Mckenzie Brings Judo Magic to St Augustine's

A four-time Olympian rocks up, throws the head of department around the hall, and suddenly Year 7 can’t stop talking about judo. This was Friday 10th July, courtesy of ActiveWestminster Champion of the Future Athlete and Ambassador Ashley Mckenzie.

Two St Augustine's Female students trying out Judo moves
AW CotF Ashley Mckenzie talking to the kids at St Augustine's
AW CotF & Ambassador Ashley Mckenzie watching the children trying the Judo moves he demod
Ashley Mckenzie & St Augustine's Deputy head doing a judo demo
AW CotF & Ambassador Ashley Mckenzie talk at St Austine's Primary School
St Augustine's children practicing judo

From pupil to Olympian and back again. Ashley Mckenzie brought judo home to St Augustine’s.

A medal collection that does the talking

And this isn’t just any judoka. Ashley’s record speaks for itself:

  • 60kg category
  • 4 x Olympian
  • 2 x Commonwealth Games gold medallist
  • 5 x British Open Champion
  • 2 x bronze medallist, European Senior Championships
  • Gold & Silver, European U23 Championships

Ashley isn’t some distant sporting superstar the kids only ever see on TV, either. He’s local, and he’s one of their own: Ashley actually attended St Augustine’s himself. Same corridors, same halls, same neighbourhood. That’s what made his visit land so hard: this wasn’t a celebrity dropping in for a photo op, it was a former pupil coming back to show them what’s possible.

An unfiltered, hands-on journey

Ashley didn’t just give the Year 7 students a polite chat and leave, he gave them his whole journey, unfiltered. The early starts, the setbacks, the grit it takes to go from a kid on a judo mat to a four-time Olympian. Honest, funny, no fluff and the room was hooked from minute one.

Then he had them up and moving. Grips, throws, real moves – Ashley walked the students through it all and got them trying it themselves. Cue plenty of laughter, a few “wait, how did you do that?!” moments, and a hall full of kids suddenly convinced they might have Olympic potential of their own. The highlight: a live demo alongside Deputy Head and former judoka Andy Whent, giving students a front-row look at elite technique in action — a hip throw hits different when it’s happening two metres away.

Nice full-circle touch too: Executive Headteacher Mr Moriarty actually taught Ashley back in the day. Part Olympic visit, part homecoming, part reunion.

Personable, candid, and thoroughly down to earth, Ashley went down an absolute treat – and left a hall full of future judokas in his wake.

Every champion starts somewhere

Ashley started right here, in the same streets and the same schools as these kids. That’s the whole point of Champions of the Future: local talent, backed to go all the way. Check out the Champions of the Future page to find out more about the programme and see if you or someone you know could be next.

Explore Champions of the Future

Summer Just Got Serious: FREE Sports & Play Sessions Land at 291 Harrow Road!

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Summer Just Got Serious: FREE Sports & Play Sessions Land at 291 Harrow Road!

Grab your trainers, your family, and your friends – the MUGA on Elmfield Way is the go-to spot for fun, movement and community this summer, and every single session is FREE. No sign-up, no fees, just turn up and get active!

Flyer showing programme details and schedule
Full details are in the flyer above. Don't miss out on your favourite session!

This much-loved games area behind 291 Harrow Road has been a community favourite for years, and before it makes way for an exciting new all-weather play space as part of the site’s redevelopment, they’re throwing a summer to remember. So head down and make the most of it whist it’s still there!

What’s On 

From basketball and walking football to family cycling sessions, a young people’s club, and dance, there’s something for every age and every energy level, running across Monday to Friday.

Get It While It’s Here

This MUGA has always been more than just a games area. It’s where local kids learn to ride their first bike, where neighbours become friends over a football match, and where young people find their rhythm on the dance floor. As part of the wider redevelopment of the site, the space will close in Spring 2027 to make way for demolition and construction of a brand-new, high-quality play space that will be handed back to the community once complete.

That means this summer is your last chance to enjoy the MUGA as it is,  so grab it while you can, before something even better takes its place.

Play. Move. Grow.

Whether you’re 5 or 75, there’s something on this timetable for you. Come along, try something new, meet your neighbours, and stay active all summer long.

Full timetable, times and age groups are all on the flyer — keep an eye out for posters on the playground fence too.

Questions? Get in touch: 291harrowroad@westminster.gov.uk

See you at the MUGA – let’s make this the best summer yet!

291 Harrow Road Summer Programme is brought to you by Active Westminster and City of Westminster.

Making Waves for Inclusion: WeSwim Comes to Queens Park

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Making Waves for Inclusion: WeSwim Comes to Queens Park

A safe, supportive space in the water is now open to disabled adults in Queens Park. WeSwim’s award-winning, friendly swimming sessions prove that staying active should be for everyone. ActiveWestminster is proud to help make a splash for inclusion.

Promotional flyer for WeSwim disability sessions at Moberly Sports Centre with a blue rectangle at the top and image of a disabled participant and swim instructor inset and a white background at the bottom with details in black text
Championing inclusion, one stroke at a time. Scan the QR code and find out more about WeSwim's accessible sessions at Moberly Sports Centre.

Championing Inclusion, Together

At ActiveWestminster, inclusion isn’t an afterthought, it’s at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we’re delighted to shine a spotlight on WeSwim, an award-winning charity delivering friendly, supported swimming sessions for disabled adults across London, now running weekly at Moberly Sports Centre in Queens Park.

What’s On Offer

WeSwim’s Disability Community Swimming sessions offer a gentle, welcoming way to stay active, build confidence and connect with others, with 1:1 support from trained volunteers in the water every step of the way.

Session Details

  • Location: Moberly Sports Centre, Queens Park
  • When: Mondays, 6.15pm–7.30pm
  • Cost: £3 per session
  • Who for: Disabled adults (physical, sensory and/or learning disabilities)

The Impact

The impact speaks for itself. In a recent survey, 98.6% of WeSwim swimmers said they felt safe, and 96.8% felt more connected to their community. For many, it’s not just about swimming, it’s about confidence, rehab, gentle exercise and a genuine sense of belonging.

Together, we can make Queens Park and Westminster a more active, inclusive place for everyone. 

Take The Plunge & Sign Up Now

Sunshine, Squad Goals & Non-Stop Fun: Summer Edutain & Edutain+ Holiday Camps Are Here!

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Sunshine, Squad Goals and Non-Stop Fun: Summer Edutain+ and Edutain Campaigns are Here!

Say Goodbye to Summer Boredom, and hello to Edutain! 

Six weeks off school. Zero dull moments.

Our Edutain and Edutain+ holiday camps are back this summer with action-packed days of sport, movement, creativity and feel-good fun. They provide the perfect space for young people to play, connect and thrive while school’s out.

Edutain Camps Details

Edutain+ Camps Details

Big summer, bigger fun

Endless ways to move, play and connect – Edutain is bringing the fun back to summer for children aged 8-13.
  • Action-packed days of sport, team games and creative activities
  • A safe. supportive environment where every child can thrive
  • Tha chance to make new friends and try new things
  • Confidence building fun that keeps kids active all summer long
When & Where: 

As always, the camps will be running Monday to Friday as listed below, between 10:00 am – 3:00 pm at two great locations:

  • Week 1: Monday 27 July – Friday 31 August
  • Week 2: Monday 3 August – Friday 7 August
  • Week 3: Monday 10 August – Friday 14 August
  • Week 4: Monday 17 August – Friday 21 August
  • Week 5: Monday 24 August – Friday 28 August
Location 1: Academy Sport, Torquay Street, W2 5EW
Location 2: Community Centre (Under Morgan House), Lillington Gardens, SW1V 2LF

Where every child belongs

Our Edutain+ holiday camp is designed to be inclusive and accessible for children and young people aged 8-16 including those with disabilities and additional needs, because evert child deserves to play, connect and have fun.
  • A welcoming, inclusive environment tailored to individual needs
  • Sport, creative activities and confidence building fun for all abilities 
  • Experienced, supportive staff on hand at all times
  • The chance to make new friends and feel part of the group

Camp Details

Tuesday to Thursday over 4 week, between 10:00 am – 3:00 pm at Academy Sport, Torquay Street, W2 5EW

  • Week 1: Tuesday 28 July – Thursday 30 August
  • Week 2: Tuesday 4 August – Thursday 6 August
  • Week 3: Tuesday 11 August – Thursday 13 August
  • Week 4: Tuesday 18 August – Thursday 20 August

*BOOKING IS REQUIRED*

Book Edutain @ Academy Sport
Book Edutain @ Lillington Gardens

For more information or to book, call Ryan Denys on 07956 956167 or email ryan.denys@sportwestminster.org

Edutain+: Inclusive holiday fun without limits

Edutain+ is designed to ensure even more young people can enjoy the benefits of staying active, social and engaged during the school holidays in an inclusive and supportive environment. Tailored for young people aged 8-16 with additional needs, the sessions focus on accessibility, confidence-building and creating positive experiences where everyone feels welcome, included and able to participate. Sessions will run between Tuesday 26th – Friday 29th May between 10:00am to 3:00pm, at Academy Sport, Torquay Street W2 5EW

*BOOKING IS REQUIRED

Book Edutain+

For more information or to book, call 07891 386 688 or email leonard.lionel@sportwestminster.org

Brought to you by our trusted delivery partners SportWest – www.sportwest.org.uk

SEND Mini Marathon 2026 Brings Big Energy To Paddington Recreation Ground

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  • News Post

SEND Mini Marathon 2026 Delivers Smiles, Superstars & Serious Trackside Energy

Paddington Recreation Ground was bursting with energy, cheers and unforgettable moments as more than 130 young SEND people came together for this year’s SEND Mini Marathon 2026.

From the first warm up to the final medal handed out, the atmosphere was incredible, with schools bringing the noise, supporters cheering every lap and young athletes lighting up the track with determination, confidence and pure joy.

Whether participants chose to run, walk or wheel their way around the course, every sinhle competitor crossed the finish line like a champion.

AW, London Marathon Events & EA Team members holding up medals
A young black SEND child attempting the Change4Life drill/warm activity
Medals being given out to participants by the members of the EA team
Finish line
Change for life team member and Pali yoga - author of 8 steps of calm

More than 130 young athletes, one incredible atmosphere and a celebration of confidence, inclusion, and community spirit.

More than medals & a finish line

The day was about far more than sport. It was a celebration of inclusion, confidence, wellbeing and community spirit, with young people supporting one another and enjoying the experience together every step of the way. 

Every participant received an impressive medal provided by London Marathon Events, while the lovely folks from Change4Life kept the energy high trackside with interactive games, drills and warm ups throughout the event.

Schools also had the opportunity to engage with “8 Steps of Calm” – a valuable wellbeing resource created by author, yoga teacher and mindfulness practitioner Pali Kaur. Inspired by Eight Steps of Yoga, the resource introduces simple tools around breathing, movement and mindfulness to help young people build confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing. Designed to support young people with SEND, both at home and in school, the resource also offers valuable guidance for parents, carers and teachers.

Big energy from some very inspiring young people

It was fantastic to see the SEND mini Marathon continue to grow, with even more young super humans taking part this year and creating unforgettable memories on and off the track.

A huge thank you to all the schools, teachers, supporters and partners who helped make the day so specials.

A truly inspiring event proudly facilitated by ActiveWestminster in partnership with Everyone Active.

Stay Safe At Home: Why The #ChargeSafe Campaign Matters

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  • News Post

Stay Safe At Home: Why The #ChargeSafe Campaign Matters

From phones and laptops to e-bikes and scooters, lithium-ion batteries are part of everyday life, but unsafe charging can pose a serious fire risk.

That’s why we are supporting awareness around the ChargeSafe campaign, helping residents better understand how to safely charge, use and store battery-powered devices at home.

The importance of battery safety continues to grow. London Fire Brigade attended more than 200 e-bike and e-scooter fires across London in 2025, the highest number ever recorded, with Westminster among the boroughs with the highest number of incidents.

Simple actions like using the correct charger, avoiding overcharging, never charging devices while asleep and keeping escape routes clear can make a huge difference in helping prevent fires and keeping house holds safe.

LFB ChargeSafe Campaign

Fire Safety Starts At Home

Residents are encouraged to explore the London Fire Brigade Safety Checker for personalised advice and practical guidance on making homes safer for you and your family.

London Fire Brigade is also continuing to raise awareness through this year’s ChargeSafe campaign activity and community engagement events, including partnering with Deliveroo for a Rider Roadshow event at Soho Fire Station on 2nd June. Following more than 600 riders attending last year, the event will once again share vital fire safety advice around e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries.

Young people can also get involved through the London Fire Brigade Fire Cadets Programme – a fantastic opportunity to build confidence, learn life-saving skills, make new friends and gain valuable teamwork and leadership experiences while supporting the local community.

Find Out How To Stay Charge Safe